A real ‘I was there’ moment

The Gramotones/Louie Louie

Band on the Wall

THE Oldham music scene is buzzing at the moment, with several bands making their mark.

But I was in a real quandary about what to do when THREE of our town’s most exciting outifts were playing on the same night.

Actually, two were playing on the same bill in Manchester, so instead I opted for Manchester’s Band on the Wall. I didn’t regret the decision. Witnessing Louie Louie supporting the wonderful Gramotones was a real “I was there” moment.

The Swan Street venue was relatively quiet when Louie Louie — including Moorside drummer Paul Limer — hit the stage. There was nothing by way of an introduction, but by the end of their 40-minute set I had witnessed a proper star in the making.

Vocalist Rita Faria — from Lisbon — belted out seven great tracks with a powerful voice that was perfectly complemented by tight backing from Limer, barefooted lead guitarist Tom Pallett and Rita’s brother Pedro on bass.

The songs were all equal in their quality from a band that reminded me of Oasis at their peak - but with a girl singer.

The Gramotones — Jake, Sid, James and Ryan — thanked fans for supporting their “one-date tour” and were class once again.

Surely destined for festival stardom before long, they kept the audience enthralled for over an hour with highly original, faultless sound.

The Gramotones have the genuine talent to make it to the top. Both bands are without doubt going places.